Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are your shipping rates?We wish we could personally deliver your order straight to your doorstep ourselves but because we can't we lovingly ship them to you with FREE standard delivery on all orders over $50 throughout the U.S. and Canada.

For orders under $50, our shipping rates for standard delivery (UPS Ground or USPS) go from $2–$7.50, depending on the dollar amount of your order.

How long until I receive my order?Fast! We begin processing your order immediately because we want you to always be taking the best possible care of your skin. After you submit your order it leaves our warehouse within 24–48 hours. From there, how long it takes to reach you depends on your address:

If you live in the U.S expect to receive your Paula's Choice products in 2–10 business days

For our friends up north in Canada your order will be there in 3–14 business days

Elsewhere in the world takes about 3–5 business days

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Can I change or cancel my order once it has been placed?
We hate saying no, in fact we rarely do, but because we finalize and process our orders so quickly, changing or canceling them isn't an option. Contact us if you have specific concerns about something in your order and we'll make sure you get the right products (and great advice). And remember, every Paula's Choice product is sold with a 100% money-back guarantee!

What if I need to return or exchange a product?
No problem! In fact, we make it super easy for you! Info on how to return or exchange an item can be found here or refer to the back of the invoice from your order. If you need help picking out an alternate product contact us and we promise to take great care of you! Good to know: all Paula's Choice products are sold with a 60-day, 100% money-back guarantee. If you're not happy, we'll do everything we can to put a smile back on your face!

Not Completely Satisfied?

Paula's Choice will provide a full refund or credit (including tax where applicable) for merchandise returned within 60 days of your purchase date. We're sorry, but shipping fees are not refundable.

Step 1. Fill out the Return/Exchange Form located on the back of your invoice. If you don't have your invoice you can print the Return/Exchange Form here.

Step 2. Package the items for return in any box and enclose the completed Return/Exchange Form.

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Animal testing is not okay with us. Never has been. We don’t fund any independent source to do it for us, either. In fact we’re members of the Leaping Bunny Program, which means not only have we eliminated animal testing from our company, but also from our ingredient suppliers. We love animals so much; our employees bring their dogs to work. Keeps things real.

100% Money Back Guarantee

At Paula’s Choice Skincare we believe our products will work as claimed. In fact, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason we will give you a full refund or credit (including tax if applicable) for products returned within 60 days of your purchase date. As usual for online purchases, shipping fees are non-refundable.

How to make a return or exchange:
Step 1. Fill out the Return/Exchange Form located on the back of your invoice. If you’ve already tossed the invoice, you can print one out here.

Step 2. Pack up the items you want to return in any box. Remember to pop your completed Return/Exchange Form in there as well.

Rating

Worst / 4

Not good but not sure

I wanted to love this. I have been having some acne flare ups, fine lines and noticeable pores lately that I thought I would take care of. I started with the recommended treatment (cleanser, bha, resist serum) and my skin has never looked worse. I'm getting pimples in aces I've never had them before (by my ear? On my forehead?). I don't know what is causing it from the pc products but I suspect this is the culprit. I really need something good but this doesn't look like it's it.

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Hello, and thank you for sharing your experience with us - we're sorry to hear this didn't work as expected for you! Please contact a member of our Customer Care team, who can assist you with a possible exchange or refund.

—Paula's Choice Research Team

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Catherine c

Reviewed on Sunday, February 22, 2015

20 out of 100

Rating

Worst / 4

Not good but not sure

I wanted to love this. I have been having some acne flare ups, fine lines and noticeable pores lately that I thought I would take care of. I started with the recommended treatment (cleanser, bha, resist serum) and my skin has never looked worse. I'm getting pimples in aces I've never had them before (by my ear? On my forehead?). I don't know what is causing it from the pc products but I suspect this is the culprit. I really need something good but this doesn't look like it's it.

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Monday, February 23, 2015

Hello, and thank you for sharing your experience with us - please contact a member of our Customer Care team. They're specially trained to help you find the best routine for your skin type!

—Paula's Choice Research Team

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Anonymous

Reviewed on Monday, February 16, 2015

20 out of 100

Rating

Worst / 4

Not the best

The retinol serum I was using (from a drug store/big box store) shows results instantly in my opinion, and this one did not show any results for me after a few weeks, so I returned it. Also, the texture is like the that of a facial oil product, slick, so I was using it at night. Not what I was looking for.

Sherry N.

Reviewed on Wednesday, February 04, 2015

40 out of 100

Rating

Poor / 4

Not for acne prone skin

I so wish this worked for me. It feels so nice going on, smooth and soft. Then I wake up with acne. I think this could be a great product as long as you are not acne prone.

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Wednesday, February 04, 2015

Hello, and thank you for your comments - we're sorry to hear this didn't work as expected for you! Please contact a member of our Customer Care team, who can assist you with a possible exchange or refund.

—Paula's Choice Research Team

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Mollie

Reviewed on Monday, February 02, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Literally the best retinol serum ever

I have very sensitive, dry skin, and have tried many retinol products over the years, but keep coming back to this one for how hydrating and non-irritating it is, even for sensitive skin. My skin gets much more irritated using other products, even PC products (like skin recovery serum) that have a lower percentage of retinol. Every time I come back to this one, I'm amazed at how quickly it works, how great my skin looks, and how well my skin can tolerate it given how much retinol it has! LOVE!

jennifer n

Reviewed on Monday, January 26, 2015

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

surprised!

I have used some high priced products. Kate Somerville for one. I always assumed anything with retinol should burn and hurt my skin. Not the case with Paula's products! I was confused the first time i applied this serum. I wondered...where is the sting and the pain. The results are better than the big name products without the pain and price tag. I have combination skin. I am excited to try other products now!

Julie B.

Reviewed on Monday, January 19, 2015

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Great Product, bad packaging

This is a wonderful product. It makes my skin look great, absorbs nicely and my skin gets better the longer I've been using it. However, the packaging is terrible. It's hard to get the product out and you cannot tell how much is left. I actually had to take one apart because the pump stopped working after a week or so. I pumped and pumped and nothing came out. I will continue to purchase because I like the product but I will continue to be aggravated when I can't tell if I'm out or not.

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Monday, January 19, 2015

Thanks for your review! Sometimes this type of pump packaging can be unreliable, and we're working closely with the packaging company to ensure this happens as infrequently as possible. In terms of not being able to tell how much is left, there's no reliable way around this as redoing the packaging to include a "window" so you can see how much is left would compromise the effectiveness of the retinol (which is extremely sensitive to light). For best results, go by weight. When it begins to feel lighter and what's dispensed begins to spurt rather than stream, it's time to reorder!

—Admin

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R

Reviewed on Monday, January 12, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

OMG for Rosacea

Received a sample size (0.24 oz.) of this product, in an order of 2% BHA products for KP (which did wonders). I read here about the product, as my 50 yr old skin has been very sensitive over the years, and I wasn't sure if I should try it. My face looks like a bad sunburn all the time...cheeks, nose, some forehead and chin. Almost anything I put on it burns. Used every third night, no irritation.
Sample gone after about 5 or 6 applications, ALL REDNESS GONE!

Anonymous.

Reviewed on Sunday, January 11, 2015

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Works for me around eye area

I've been using Tazorac for years to keep 70+ year old skin in good condition. But I couldn't use Taz around eye area -- very drying.
This PC retinol serum is very effective for my undereye area -- skin feels more hydrated, supple, and fine lines are diminishing. Definitely a keeper for me.

Jamie K

Reviewed on Sunday, January 11, 2015

20 out of 100

Rating

Worst / 4

Not for acne prone skin

I'm 31 and have combination/oily acne prone skin. I wanted to upgrade my skin care routine to products that improve my skin and as well as protect it from future damage. I currently use the Resist Intensive Repair Moisturizing cream at night, and the 1% retinol treatment 2x a week. I purchased this retinol serum to use during the day bc the cream is too heavy for daytime use. After using this serum a few times I broke out really bad along my chin area. Not for me I guess.

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Monday, January 12, 2015

Hello, and thank you for your comments - we're sorry to hear this didn't work as expected for you! Please contact a member of our Customer Care team for information on a possible exchange or return.

—Paula's Choice Research Team

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LAUREN H.

Reviewed on Saturday, January 10, 2015

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Love it.

My oily/combo skin has been sensitive to retinol in the past, so I started using this only once a week. I have gradually worked my way up to using this every night, and I love it. The texture is so silky and feels wonderful on my skin. I've only used about half the bottle so far, so I can't speak to the anti-aging properties, but so far so good. I gave it 4 stars because it's pretty expensive for how little product you get.

viv d.

Reviewed on Saturday, January 10, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

lovely!

leaves my skin hydrated and silky, love love love this stuff!

Green V.

Reviewed on Wednesday, January 07, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Its really growing on me

Initially I did not like the oily texture as my skin is breakout prone and combo/oily. But after sticking with it, the products really make my skin better. It does a great job in a cold winter too. It last ages! I am on my 3rd bottle now.

Mary P.

Reviewed on Tuesday, January 06, 2015

60 out of 100

Rating

Neutral / 4

Caused allergic reaction

I'm 39 with dry skin, never had an allergic reaction to anything until I tried this. It could be a terrific product if you're fortunate not to be allergic but I wouldn't know because I had to stop using it. After just 1 application, I had red patches on my skin. I recommend getting the sample first.

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Wednesday, January 07, 2015

Hello, and thank you for sharing your comments with us - we're sorry to hear this didn't work as expected for you! Please contact a member of our Customer Care team, who can assist you with a possible exchange or refund.

—Paula's Choice Research Team

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JenniferA

Reviewed on Tuesday, January 06, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

First time I've seen results!

At first I used this product once or twice a week. My skin looked fresh the next day, but the changes never lasted. It wasn't until I decided to be brave and use it daily and then POW! Boy did my skin change. I developed brown spots and cheek acne when I turned 30 and nothing seemed to help either issue (even expensive Rx products). This one has already started to fade the spots and my blemishes have reduced. I'm so glad my sensitive skin can handle the daily dose!

Vanessa L

Reviewed on Sunday, January 04, 2015

40 out of 100

Rating

Poor / 4

change the name from serum to oil

I'm conflicted about how to properly rate this product because I do believe it works but I feel like it's not at all like a serum but very much an oil. I don't prefer oils. It does absorb in about two minutes but I just don't like putting it on and then waiting for it to absorb to continue with my night cream. I like that it doesn't burn or irritate but I just think it should be called an oil so poeple know exactly what to expect.

Rebecca T.

Reviewed on Saturday, January 03, 2015

20 out of 100

Rating

Worst / 4

Not for Oily Skin

Pros: Nice packaging Cons: Extremely greasy
I had used a prescription form of retinol before with good results, so I was really looking forward to using Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum. It was like putting vegetable oil on my face. I only used one drop.
This should not be labeled for all skin types.

Katherine K.

Reviewed on Friday, January 02, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Excellent

First, this is not greasy. I used about two pumps. I applied after my Resist N/D Toner and 1% BHA lotion. It is not heavy whatsoever. I am going to start using this nightly starting today 1/2/15. I cannot wait to see the changes in my skin, and I will update my results in 3 months from today!

Sarah

Reviewed on Tuesday, December 30, 2014

40 out of 100

Rating

Poor / 4

Not for Acne Prone Skin

I received a sample of this with one of my orders and used it for a few days. The first day or so my skin was looking brighter and my fine lines less pronounced but then my skin started breaking out. I stopped using the product and my skin cleared up. Tried it again a few weeks later and started breaking out again. I have acne prone, combination skin and honestly don't break out much thanks to the other PC products. My skin doesn't do will with oils so I am thinking that was the problem.

Susana N.

Reviewed on Monday, December 29, 2014

60 out of 100

Rating

Neutral / 4

Smells like butter

Love this product. I've been using it since July. I just got my second bottle, but I find that the product smells really different than my first bottle. This one smells like butter popcorn which is a weird scent to apply on your face.

MARY J.

Reviewed on Sunday, December 28, 2014

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Good results

I have been using this off and on but not regularly. I have tried prescription Retin A which didn't do anything for my skin so I wasn't expecting much from this at all. About 2 weeks ago I decided to use it every night after applying the new Resist Toner and Resist 2% BHA for oily skin. When I wake up in the morning my skin looks really smooth and clear which is amazing since I have acne prone skin. The wrinkles around my eyes also seem diminished. I will continue to use this nightly.

Kathryn

Reviewed on Sunday, December 28, 2014

20 out of 100

Rating

Worst / 4

Not for me

This was one of the first products I got. While I love everything else I've tried from Paula's Choice, my face does not like this one. I've tried using it several different times, and each time my face breaks out. I don't normally have problems with acne on my forehead but I get it every time I use this--after 3 tries I think I'm giving up on it. I love the Resist Super Antioxidant Serum and can recommend it highly but this one not so much.

Lydia M.

Reviewed on Sunday, December 28, 2014

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Do love this

I have used this product ever since it came on here. I do love that my skin reacts well with it since I have super sensitive skin. my skin with this product alone is dry in the morning. Need to couple it with the thicker night cream. Thank you Paula's Choice.

Lisa M.

Reviewed on Tuesday, December 23, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

My face LOVES this stuff!

I purchased a bottle of this a while ago and used it all. I loved it but on my next order, opted to try something else. On my latest order, decided to get this again. WOW! I didn't know how much my face loved and missed this stuff! I wake up with silky smooth radiant skin! I don't ever want to be without a bottle now! Also, I have to say that the bottle design is amazing. I had my hubby take apart my 1st bottle, thinking I could get more out of it, but found the pump gets out every last drop!

Jaime

Reviewed on Monday, December 15, 2014

60 out of 100

Rating

Neutral / 4

Great product in a frustrating bottle

This serum works well for me day and night without irritating my rosacea. I do however have to agree with those who hate the bottle. The twist-up and down idea seems simple enough but almost eveytime I twist my bottle closed the pump top doesn't line up properly and it forces the pump top off. Seriously annoying! I hope a more traditional package is in the works based on the number of complaints I've read.

What makes this product unique? Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum is an exclusive formula that utilizes a proprietary blend of highly stabilized retinol, potent antioxidants, and skin-repairing ingredients. Its soothing, silky texture goes to work immediately to help skin of any age look and act younger. Anti-irritants reduce redness and soothe sensitive skin, and the serum helps fade red marks from past breakouts. With ongoing use, you will see fewer wrinkles, smoother skin, and improved skin tone.

This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free.

Who is this product for? Anyone concerned with improving the appearance of aging skin and helping sun-damaged skin repair itself so it functions in a younger, healthier manner. Ideal for use with Paula's Choice Resist line of anti-aging products. May be alternated with our best-selling Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum.

Sources to support the claims made for Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum

DIRECTIONS: Apply after cleansing, toning and exfoliating. Smooth a few drops onto face, neck and eye area before moisturizing. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 25 or greater. May be alternated with a Paula’s Choice serum that does not contain retinol.

The most notable difference is that Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum contains a higher amount of retinol than our Skin Recovery and Skin Balancing serums with retinol. The Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum does not contain retinol and as such is an excellent serum to alternate with the Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum. Both of the Resist serums were designed for all skin types, whereas Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum is best for normal to very dry skin and Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate is best for normal to oily or combination skin.

All skin types can use any of our serums, but there are some formulary distinctions that make certain Paula's Choice serums preferred for specific skin types. Here's how they break down:

Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum and Resist Intensive Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum can be used by all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum is best for normal to very dry skin because it contains plant oils.

Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate is best for normal to oily or combination skin because it has the lightest texture and weightless finish.

Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum is one of two Paula’s Choice serums that does not contain retinol. It’s the natural choice for anyone whose skin cannot tolerate retinol.

Resist Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum has the lightest texture of all the Resist serums and is our only water-based (rather than silicone-based) serum. It does not contain retinol, so is recommended for those whose skin cannot tolerate this ingredient (or it may be used with one of our retinol serums).

Not better, just different. Think of it like broccoli and carrots: both are good for you but provide different nutritional benefits your body needs to be healthy. Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum was formulated with a greater amount of retinol to provide a higher degree of wrinkle repair—but all Paula's Choice serums contain an array of ingredients proven to help repair wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Yes, this is fine; however, if you noticed that applying such products at the same time causes signs of irritation (such as redness or flaking) it would be best to apply one in the morning and the other at night, or consider switching to Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, which is retinol-free.

Yes, but generally speaking, you don't necessarily need to use retinol and a prescription retinoid. Many will do fine with one or the other, or you can apply the prescription retinoid at night and apply the retinol product during the day, always being sure to protect your skin with a product rated SPF 15 or greater. Keep in mind that using multiple retinoid products increases the risk of irritation, which is never the goal. With retinoids, more is not automatically better!

Yes. For best results, apply the benzoyl peroxide product to breakout-prone areas, allow to dry, then follow with Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum. Note that benzoyl peroxide should not be applied at the same time as the prescription retinoid tretinoin, as it renders this active ingredient ineffective. It does not appear to have this same effect on retinol.

Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum was formulated with a potent amount of retinol to provide a higher degree of wrinkle repair—but all Paula's Choice retinol treatments contain an array of ingredients proven to help repair wrinkles and other signs of aging.

The percentage of retinol needed for efficacy is generally between 0.01% and 1%, which is quite a range, but further proof of just how powerful retinol is! For more on percentages of retinol in Paula’s Choice products, see our article Which Strength of Retinol Do I Need?

All of these products may be used with Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum or on their own, as each treats skin to a beneficial range of anti-aging ingredients.

Yes, you can and it does not matter which serum is applied first. Experiment to see which order of serum application works best for you. Although it's fine to layer our serums, ultimately you do not need to do this because every Paula's Choice serum treats skin to an array of brilliant ingredients. Because layering two serums plus your daytime moisturizer may feel too heavy under makeup, we recommend those who wish to layer our serums do so at night.

Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum holds several advantages over other serums with retinol:

In addition to its targeted retinol formula, this serum also treats skin to a range of antioxidants, repairing ingredients, and anti-irritants. Each of these ingredients has published research showing how they improve aging skin.

The amount of retinol in this serum was expertly calibrated to ensure maximum efficacy without irritation. You're getting all of the benefits of retinol without bothersome side effects such as redness or flaking.

The chemist Paula chose to formulate this serum is a retinol expert who made sure every element of this targeted treatment was designed to improve wrinkles and signs of aging without tipping the scale toward irritation.

This retinol serum is packaged to ensure the efficacy and stability of the formula. The retinol itself is carefully handled and never exposed to degrading light or oxygen at any time during manufacturing. The Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum requires specially designed packaging to keep this amount of retinol stable (droppers, pads or tubes would compromise the retinol's effectiveness). That means the serum you receive can deliver the full, pure potency of retinol.

You can rely on Paula and her Product Development team to provide the most advanced formulas at reasonable prices!

First, we urge you to follow the post-procedure instructions your doctor or nurse provided. If nothing was mentioned about when to resume use of a serum, please contact the doctor's office where you had the procedure done. Otherwise, our general advice is to begin using your serum again as soon as possible. All of our serums contain skin-repairing, anti-inflammatory, and replenishing ingredients that calm reddened skin and help enhance the healing process. Make sure you're also protecting your "new" skin every day with a product rated SPF 15 or greater.

Yes. Research has shown that retinol can reduce inflammation that leads to symptoms of rosacea. The other antioxidants and soothing agents in this serum will help calm redness and soothe skin as they deliver anti-aging benefits.

This product is packaged in an airless pump dispenser which utilizes a vacuum system to dispense and keep the contents fresh. Airless packaging helps to keep air and contaminates out of the product, which enhances the formula's stability and effectiveness.

When using your product for the first time, you may need to “prime” the dispenser. To prime, simply pump the dispenser slowly about 10-15 times. If the dispenser stops working at any time, simply repeat the "priming" step. Do not attempt to dismantle the package.